While many students slow down over the summer, the University of Florida Pickleball Club stays in full swing. The summer schedule is all about keeping the energy high, the competition strong, and the team connected—even when school’s out and the heat is brutal. It’s a true showcase of what collegiate pickleball dedication looks like.

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Christian Franke, Co-Captain of UF Pickleball, shares how the team trains during the offseason and how they’re preparing for a big year ahead.

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Summer Practice Schedule

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Yes, the team continues to train throughout the whole summer. Practices are held twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday from 6–8 PM, at the University of Florida’s on-campus courts. With four courts equipped with temporary lines, the team has plenty of space to stay sharp.

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“The setup isn’t perfect, but it gets the job done,” says Franke. “It gives us the space to stay active, get reps in, and keep our game at a high level.”

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Focus on Match Play

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The summer focus is simple: Get on the court and compete.

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“We’re really centered on match play right now,” Franke explains. “It’s the best way to stay tournament-ready and work on decision-making in real-time situations. Everyone’s out there grinding, and it keeps us sharp.”

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Tournaments and Competitive Play

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UF Pickleball players are no strangers to summer tournaments.

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“A lot of our competitive players stay active,” says Franke. “We had around ten players at a recent PPA event, and I’m teaming up with Maxwell Ruyle this weekend for another one.”

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Even off-campus, players are still getting high-level reps.

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“I’m back home in Naples this summer, playing at East Naples with Will Lieberman and a few pros. It’s been a great way to stay in form,” Franke shares.

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Staying Connected Off-Campus

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Despite being scattered across the state—and the country—the team stays closely connected.

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“We keep in touch through group chats and socials. Whether it's training updates or tournament highlights, it helps us stay in the loop and motivated,” Franke says.

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Individual Skill Development

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Summer is also the perfect time for targeted improvement.

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“Personally, I’ve been focused on developing a consistent flick and improving my shot selection,” says Franke. “A lot of the team is using this time to sharpen specific parts of their game, whether it’s footwork, placement, or serve variety.”

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Preparing for the Season Ahead

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Without the pressures of school and travel, summer offers space to grow.

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“It’s a chance to refine our game without distractions,” Franke notes. “When fall comes, we’re not just picking up where we left off—we’re showing up better prepared.”

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Looking Ahead to Fall 2025

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The team has high aspirations heading into the new season.

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“I’m really excited for DUPR Nationals and other high-level events this fall,” Franke says. “We’ve got the talent and the work ethic. Now it’s about continuing to prove ourselves as one of the top collegiate programs in the country.”

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Whether you're training with your college team or grinding solo over the summer, staying consistent pays off—especially in collegiate pickleball. By focusing on match play, skill development, and smart strategy, UF Pickleball is proving that the offseason is where real gains are made. As the new season approaches, players aren’t just showing up more prepared—they’re climbing in pickleball ratings and sharpening their knowledge of pickleball rules and eligibility requirements, setting themselves up for a strong run at the Collegiate National Championship and beyond.

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